A　model　predictive　control　(MPC)　strategy　for　a　three-phase　three-level　neutral　point　clamped　(NPC)　grid-connected　inverter　is　discussed.　Conventional　two-level　inverters　are　effective　when　a　symmetric　fault　occurs.　But　when　a　three-phase　unbalanced　fault　occurs,　they　will　generate　errors　and　introduce　delay　in　the　power　system　because　of　the　complex　design　or　the　neglected　negative-sequence　component　of　the　grid.　To　solve　this　problem,　a　new　method　to　control　a　NPC　gridconnected　inverter　is　proposed,　which　combines　an　MPC　strategy　with　a　decoupling　double　synchronous　reference　frame　phase-locked　loop　technique.　The　proposed　method　reduces　the　use　of　PI　controllers　and　enhances　the　system＇s　response　speed.　Using　simulations　and　experiments,　the　proposed　MPC　strategy　for　a　three-level　NPC　gridconnected　inverter　is　proven　to　be　accurate　and　reliable.　©　2016　The　Institution　of　Engineering　and　Technology.